Understanding non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasingly vital in the context of global health. As these organisms continue to emerge as significant pathogens, advancing our collective understanding in this area is crucial for both public health and clinical practices. Recent advances, including the identification of novel species and subspecies, insights into their pathogenic mechanisms, and the development of targeted therapies, highlight the progress we have made. However, many questions remain unanswered. Future research may unlock new diagnostic tools, innovative treatment strategies, and a better understanding of NTM ecology and epidemiology, which are essential for managing their impact on public health.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection by submitting original research articles, reviews, and case studies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Epidemiology and clinical aspects of NTM diseases

• Environmental persistence of NTM and sources of transmission

• Advancements in diagnostics and biomarkers for NTM detection

• NTM physiology and pathogenic strategies

• Host immune responses to NTM infection

• Pre- and post-exposure NTM vaccines

• Therapeutic strategies and treatment challenges, including phage therapy, host-directed therapy and clinical trials

• Antimicrobial resistance patterns in NTM

• Unique case reports highlighting NTM infections in various populations

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical global health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for innovative research strategies and diagnostic tools. Significant strides have been made in identifying novel biomarkers that enhance our diagnostic capabilities and deepen our understanding of disease progression. Furthermore, advancements in animal models have enabled researchers to better simulate human TB, leading to more effective treatment regimens and drug development.

Ongoing research in this field not only supports the fight against TB but also encourages collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches. By fostering such collaborations, we can drive progress toward eradicating TB and ensuring health for all.

While challenges persist in advancing the field, innovations in biomarker discovery hold the potential to lead to more precise diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, improvements in animal models could enhance our understanding of the disease's pathogenesis and host response. Such breakthroughs would have far-reaching implications, not only for TB but for infectious disease research as a whole.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection by submitting original research articles, reviews, and case studies. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Biomarker identification and validation

• Novel animal models for TB research

• Treatment monitoring strategies

• Clinical applications of biomarkers

• Environmental factors influencing TB

• Immunological responses in TB models

• Drug discovery and development pathways

• Host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion mechanisms

• Multi-omics approaches for TB research

• TB latency, reactivation, and disease progression

• TB co-infections (HIV, diabetes, helminths, etc.)

• Advancements in TB vaccines and immunotherapy

• Point-of-care diagnostics and rapid testing technologies

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.